Under Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, they do not assign fixed monetary values to specific body parts. Instead, the compensation you could receive depends on the degree of permanent impairment and how it will affect your ability to work in the future. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and each case is evaluated independently.
If you received notice of your compensation and do not believe it is correct or you have other concerns about your case, an Orlando workers’ compensation lawyer can help you review your case and discuss your options.
Understanding How Florida Handles Workers’ Comp Claims With Permanent Injuries
Chapter 440 of the Florida Statutes governs how workers’ comp benefits work in the state. Under this system, the Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule (FUPIRS) provides guidelines for medical professionals to assess the degree of permanent impairment the injured worker has. This assessment considers factors such as mobility limitations, pain, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Once a worker reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), their doctor will give them an impairment rating. This rating is generally given as a percentage, with those with a higher rating being more disabled.
This rating directly determines the number of weeks the worker will receive Impairment Income Benefits (IIBs). The Florida Department of Financial Services offers a benefits calculator for injured workers to help determine the money they should receive based on their rating, average weekly wage, and whether they have returned to work.
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High-Value Injuries in Florida Workers’ Compensation Claims
While Florida does not assign specific monetary values to individual body parts, the guidelines do tend to give higher impairment ratings to certain injuries. This is because injuries to some body parts tend to have a greater effect on a worker’s ability to perform their job duties. Some of these include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Serious head injuries and traumatic brain injuries often lead to significant cognitive and physical impairments.
- Neck and Spinal Injuries: Spinal cord injuries, as well as other neck and back injuries, could affect mobility, lead to limited ability to stand or sit for long periods, or cause chronic pain.
- Leg and Lower Extremity Injuries: When injuries severely limit a worker’s ability to stand or walk, it could significantly affect their ability to work.
- Hand and Arm Injuries: Injuries that severely affect the ability to work with your hands or use your fingers could make it impossible to complete many job duties.
It is important to know that each case is based on its own facts and specific circumstances. How your doctor assigns your impairment rating will depend on your injuries, the severity of your injuries, and your job duties. For example, someone with a sedentary job might not be as affected by the loss of a leg as someone who works in the construction industry.
Factors Influencing Compensation Amounts for Permanent Injuries
Several factors can affect the compensation an injured worker might receive from workers’ compensation for their permanent injuries. This could include:
- Severity of the Injury: More severe injuries usually result in higher impairment ratings and, consequently, more weeks of IIBs. The type of injury and the part of the body it affects can also influence the rating.
- Effect on Earning Capacity: If the injury significantly reduces the worker’s ability to earn income, this can lead to higher compensation. Of course, as your average weekly wage increases, your IIBs should increase (up to the maximum), as well.
- Need for Ongoing Medical Treatment: Injuries requiring long-term medical care can increase the overall compensation amount because they are likely to receive a higher impairment rating from the doctor evaluating them.
- Age of the Worker: Younger workers may receive more compensation because their new disabilities will affect their ability to work for longer.
- Occupation: Those in physically demanding jobs may receive higher compensation because serious injuries often have a more profound effect on their careers than those with more sedentary jobs.
These are just some key factors a workers’ compensation doctor will consider when evaluating a lasting injury based on the Florida Uniform Permanent Impairment Rating Schedule.
What Should I Do If I Have Concerns About My Workers’ Comp Claim?
If you believe your benefits from a workers’ compensation claim are inaccurate or unfair, it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your rights.
- Start by reviewing the impairment rating your doctor assigned once you reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This percentage plays a major role in determining the benefits you receive, and even a small discrepancy can affect your compensation significantly.
- You can also use the Florida Department of Financial Services benefits calculator to estimate whether your payments align with your rating and average weekly wage.
If you suspect something is off—or if your benefits were denied, reduced, or prematurely stopped—consider speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can request a second opinion, challenge the impairment rating, or file a formal petition for benefits.
They can also represent you in hearings, negotiate for a fair settlement, and ensure you are not missing out on the compensation you’re entitled to under Florida law. Legal support can be essential for handling complex or disputed claims.
Talk to Our Central Florida Workers’ Compensation Team Today for Free
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, our workers’ compensation team can review your case with you today. We are a full-service law firm that practices virtually the full spectrum of Florida law from offices throughout Central Florida. We are happy to be your local law firm anywhere in Central Florida.
We can assess your workers’ compensation case, determine the money you should be receiving, and possibly help you negotiate a settlement for more compensation than you have been offered. We are conveniently located to assist you with an office in your community or nearby. Contact us today for your free consultation with our team. We have someone available to take your call now.
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